Christian Louboutin Offers Wise Words at FIT Graduation

New York — Over 4,000 students received associate, bachelors or master’s degrees yesterday at The Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT), 69th commencement exercises and they will take Christian Louboutin’s wise words with them as well.

FIT commencement was held May 22 at Javitz Center North and Bobbi Brown, renowned makeup artist, and Christian Louboutin, legendary shoe designer, gave keynote speeches and received honorary degrees.

Louboutin spoke at the afternoon ceremony to offer his advice to the graduating students. With his thick French accent he started with, “I didn’t know what commencement was until yesterday,” he joked. “I learned that it is an ending, but it is also a beginning.”

Drawing from personal experiences of friendship, freedom and leaving doors open, his speech advised the students not to listen to preconceived ideas. “People tell you not to sleep where you work, but I slept in my design studio for eight years! People tell you not to work with your best friends, but I started my company 23 years ago with my three best friends, and 23 years later, we are still three best friends.” Louboutin said.

Louboutin also advised students about personal timing. “I was super stupid to start my company at that time in the world, but you have to listen to your own inner timing, not the timing of the world.”

Louboutin reflected on his personal journey, saying that the students are at a wonderful age, where they can follow their dreams and create their own paths. This age is for experiences and exploration. He advised not to have an extremely specific goal in mind, but to “enjoy the process of every day.”

He spoke about enjoying every experience in your life, to live well, love well and be passionate.

“An achievement is not just one day, it is a sum of all moments,” Louboutin said.